get the gen here.

Well, well, well, you frisky little porpoises, you nailed that one. Wasn't sure how that was going to go with the lacklustre applause for Emily being Emily (better luck next time...)Kudos goes to Rachael P for making the front row her own. Literally. Rachael L powered from behind and quietly got on with the job with her usual immense style.Adam's haircut is now a bit longer, and so the aerodynamics was handed over to the very able Richard R. Short back and sides? Suits you, sir.Foxy was previously convinced that I spat into the mic when I talked - clearly that isn't the case, because only chemistry teachers spit when they talk. (You know it.) But that is why the mic needs its own fan - because it can't take the pace of the #8amClub, not like you performance machines... Talking of performance machines - you were in the company of awesomeness as you pedalled with Sue. In fact, special mentions go to all our naked riders - Sue, Richard, Speedster and Rachael. Excellent work from all. At least it looked like that.

Sometimes it's quite hard to spot the really good skivers. Once Betty got with the programme that was a pretty good effort - of course now she needs to MEP it up by going for one of those horrible things, you know, runs. Bleeurrggh.Despite not always being able to get it up, Kevin sustained an excellent effort - particularly when James expertly led out and then you all tried to kill him off, you meanies. It was like watching a pack of wolves bringing down a baby wildebeest. Except this wildebeest has teeth, and also legs. Just watching Bella's face was a picture (as it usually is) - there was some very noble man-grunting happening from the back row. You should be proud.

Well done to the #8amClub for their usual brand of awesomeness this morning. This one's for you.

The #9amClub on the other hand tackled a natty little game of Blind Man's Buff (which we're probably not allowed to play anymore because it's probably politically incorrect and too much fun). Claire admitted that she wasn't really feeling on it, but decided she was going to trash everyone else anyway (northern attitude right there - love it!) Jan decided that she was coming down with flu and Tracey had a dodgy knee. These may or

Well done to the #9amClub posse. Having it large. Kind of. And here are your well-earned sofa hours. Enjoy. xxx

may not have been genuine reasons... Sophie was here because she was skiving tennis. Richard gave a six out of ten for how energetic he felt, and therefore as this was completely the wrong answer, had to settle for doing most of the work. He's considering picking a different number next week. This will still be the wrong number.So all in all, the excuses were clocked in early, but no one really needed them... And that's a principle to bear in mind - don't overreach with your excuses - that's how you get eaten by wolves (check your Russian folktales for that.)Huge well done to both groups - niftiest pedalling in the west. Nice job. Always a dubious pleasure pedalling with you. xxxx

Want toget started? Join our newcomers' session on Saturday at 9am, or try a frisky progressive at 8am. All welcome - all will be nurtured and challenged. Except for Richards. Richards just get challenged. ;-) Try us for free - book with the promo code blogfreebie. Enjoy! xxxx